Digital Khichuri Challenge for peaceful and inclusive society, accelerating the progress on SDGs

May 2, 2019

Winners of the Sylhet chapter of Digital Khichuri challenge. Photo: UNDP

Young people of Sylhet joined the Digital Khichuri Challenge to promote harmony and peace in the community through digital space and help the nation achieve Goal 16 - ‘Peace Justice and Strong Institutions’ - of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Partnering with Facebook and Bangladesh ICT Division, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiated “Digital Khichuri Challenge” in 2016 in order to uphold the cultural diversity, pluralism and tolerance.

Seven teams participated in the 2-day idea-lab in the Sylhet chapter of the Digital Khichuri to brainstorm ideas on how to prevent the spread of fake news on social media and presented their ideas on the final day in front of a jury panel.   

Team ‘Pothikrit’ won the first prize of $5000 for their innovate idea of using online gaming and superhero theme for stopping fake news.

The two runners-up teams were Team ‘B-Squad’ and ‘Positive Bangladesh’ for their ideas on Artificial Intelligence and  Counter Narrative respectively.

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak extended his ministry's support by assuring physical space for the winners to continue their work on the ideas.

"Today's youths are the architects of tomorrow's Digital Bangladesh. The current government is always keen to invest in youth and took initiatives, like startups, to bring out different innovative ideas from them using digital tools. Our partnership with UNDP in this regard will continue in future," said Palak.

Palak also announced the prize money of $5000 for the winners and $2500 each for the runners up from ICT Division as a co-partner of Digital Khichuri Challenge.

Among others Robert Stoleman, Senior Programme Manager, UNDP, Tina Jabeen, Advisor of StartUp Bangladesh, Shidartho Goushami, Coordinator- Digital Khichuri Challenge, PVE, UNDP also spoke at the event.